Wind power

Absolute reliability for onshore and offshore wind farms

Modern wind power plants produce approximately 20 times more electricity than plants 20 years ago, all with a simultaneous reduction of costs. Still, wind farms are a large investment that require high availability. To ensure this, all components must work extremely reliably and in a fail-safe manner.

For many years, Balluff has worked together with leading manufacturers to provide you with just the sensors, measurement systems and solutions you need – specially tailored to the specific requirements of wind energy in onshore and offshore wind farms.

Application examples

Orient nacelles in the wind

Reliable and cost-effective solution for higher wind power plant efficiency

The solution

To achieve the maximum efficiency of the wind power plant, the nacelles must be oriented in the wind. Our BES inductive sensors detect the position directly at the gear ring of the azimuth adjustment and make it possible to reliably move the nacelle to the optimum position.

Balluff's robust sensors are ideally suited for inexpensively and redundantly supplementing standard solutions with a rotary encoder. In contrast to rotary encoders, our sensors do not need to be attached with a special mechanism.

Greater performance with Balluff position measurement systems

The solution

We developed our BTL magnetostrictive linear position sensors specifically for use in the hydraulic cylinders of wind power plants. You can use the pitch adjustment to accurately adapt the rotor blade angles to the wind speed. In doing so, the Balluff position measurement systems maximise the power generation and reliability of your plants.

Longer service life thanks to reduction of imbalances and wind loads

The solution

Imbalances and wind loads shorten the service life of the bearings and the drive train of your wind turbines. Our BAW inductive distance sensors monitor the compliance of the air gap and tolerances at critical locations. Thanks to Balluff, loads are reduced and the service life is maximised.

We reliably protect your wind turbines against overspeeds

The solution

Our BES inductive sensors measure the rotor speed in your wind power plants. Extremely reliable, even at temperatures up to –40 °C. Two inductive sensors aimed at the locking plate are sufficient for measuring the speed and detecting the direction of rotation of the rotor. Balluff thereby reliably protects your plant from overspeed.

Extremely accurate measurement of speed and detection of direction of rotation and lock position

The solution

Our BML magnetic encoder measures the speed of your rotors with extreme accuracy, even at low speeds. The magnetic tape measurement system is simply attached to the main shaft. This allows it to not only detects the direction of rotation, but also the correct position for the rotor lock using reference points. It does all this without contact and therefore without causing wear.

Ensure optimum control quality for feed-in

The solution

Generator speed is an important parameter for controlling your plant. The Balluff BML magnetic encoder reads the pole on the magnetic ring without contact, thereby monitoring the generator speed extremely reliably. Our sensors can also be used on shafts with a large diameter, e.g. due to a variety of ring diameters or as tape solutions. Through maximum durability and precision, we guarantee you optimum control quality for feed-in.

Reliable position determination for hydraulic drives

The solution

The wind power plant must be at a standstill and the rotor blades are moved out of the wind for maintenance. Our BHS inductive sensors determine both the piston position of the locking cylinder and the end position of the pitch system. And with absolute reliability. The high-pressure resistant sensors are also available as an analog version for soft stop.

Reduce system strain and minimize risks

The solution

Strong forces have an effect on the tower during strong gusts of wind, storms or a wind power plant's start-up phase. Our BSI inclination sensors reliably measure the absolute angle of inclination of the tower. In doing so, they prevent the limit values from being exceeded and reduce strain on the plant.

Simple maintenance and longer service life thanks to automatic monitoring

The solution

Disk brakes are used at various locations in your wind power plants. Our BAW inductive distance sensors monitor these disk brakes continuously and with high precision. They also provide a timely warning if the brake pads need to be changed. This makes maintenance easy for you and ensures the durability of your plant.

More reliability for your gearbox, hydraulic, and cooling systems

The solution

Optimum fill levels should always prevail in the expansion tanks of the cooling system and of the gearbox and hydraulic system. Our BCS capacitive sensors detect the maximum and minimum fill levels without direct contact – through the container wall or with the help of adapters. They are installed in the oil pan as a leak sensor and reliably report an oil loss there.